Chateauneuf is a magical terroir, for numerous reasons than we will go into later. A vital ingredient is our famous northerly wind, the mistral. It thoughtfully and regularly blows strongly after spells of rain, drying out and concentrating the grapes.

Today we have a perfect example of this magic. After the rain that fell recently, the mistral is on schedule! This map shows wind force in terms of kilometers per hour (the figures in red indicate peak force).

And the sun is shining, the weather staying very fine and bright but not too hot.

We are picking the viognier grape in the Coudoulet vineyard (viognier is authorised in Côtes du Rhône, but not in Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

At Perrin & Fils, we have started picking the first grenache grapes at the Château de Grand Prébois. This grenache will form the basis (60%) of our Côtes du Rhône, Perrin Réserve. The weather forecast is excellent, with the fine weather steady for the coming days. Perfect!